Located in the heart of Yerevan at 15 Nikoghayos Tigranyan Street, the Sokrat Shahnazaryan Cultural House of the Armenian Association of the Blind (AAB) has served as the cornerstone of social and cultural life for individuals with visual impairments for decades. Since its founding in 1957, this institution has undergone a significant journey of development, evolving into a space where the talent and willpower of our members flourish in place of limitations.
A Vibrant Cultural and Sporting Life
The auditorium of the Cultural House is frequently filled to capacity. It regularly hosts concerts and events where both individual members of the AAB and the association’s musical ensembles showcase their artistry. In 2025, the cultural scene was further enriched with a new breath of life: the launch of a traditional Armenian dance group, symbolically named "Kamq" (Will).
Sports also stand as one of the center's most vital pillars. With the support of the AAB, the center hosts regular chess and checkers championships. Notably, since the 2010s, the center has actively promoted Showdown (table tennis for the blind). The annual national championships for this sport have become highly anticipated events for the community. In fact, members of the AAB from various regions of Armenia participate in all of these events. Our athletes frequently participating in regional competitions beyond Armenia's borders.
A Hub for Intellectual Measurement
In recent years, the intellectual competition "What? Where? When?" has been held twice annually with the support of the AAB. At least ten teams participate in the contest, diving into the intellectual arena with great enthusiasm to determine the strongest competitors.
Technological Progress and Rehabilitation
In response to modern challenges, the Cultural House—in cooperation with the "Internet Society" NGO—has established an Information Technology Training Center. This facility enables individuals with visual impairments to master accessible computer technologies, thereby expanding their independence and employment opportunities.
For the third consecutive year, the center has been implementing the "Socio-Psychological Rehabilitation of Persons with Visual Impairments" program, funded by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia. This initiative provides comprehensive support to beneficiaries, including:
• ICT training and digital literacy,
• Orientation and mobility skills development (spatial orientation),
• Specialized psychological services.
The Sokrat Shahnazaryan Cultural House is more than just a building today; it is an educational, athletic, and aesthetic platform where everyone can find their path toward full integration into society. It remains a powerful symbol of unity and progress for the Armenian community of the blind.